The Wrangell Borough Assembly considered several purchases for the Wrangell Police Department during their meeting last Tuesday evening, Oct. 27. Two items were approved by the assembly, a Text-to-911 router switch and body cameras.
The police department requested approval to purchase a Text-to-911 router switch in the amount of $4,000. There are several benefits that this would provide, according to Police Chief Tom Radke. For one thing, he said that someone texting 911 would also provide them with GPS coordinates from their phone, so they will be easier to find in case of emergency. For another thing, he said that being able to text 911 instead of calling them would be helpful in domestic violence situations, or in other scenarios when someone might not be able to speak safely. The meeting's agenda packet also listed that hearing and speech-impaired individuals could find Text-to-911 beneficial. Officers and search and rescue crews can also use Text-to-911 to check into dispatch, or have dispatch track their location if they are heading into a dangerous situation. After some discussion, this was approved by the assembly.
The assembly also approved of a purchase request for Axon Body 3 cameras and storage. This purchase was estimated at $34,401.90, which was proposed to come out of Wrangell's CARES Act funds. Radke said that his department was definitely in favor of body cameras. They would help in the areas of improving transparency between the department and the public, and would also help protect both residents and police. Several assembly members voiced support for the purchase of body cameras.
Mayor Steve Prysunka said he was concerned about whether or not the purchase could be approved under the CARES Act. Both Radke and Borough Manager Lisa Von Bargen said they would make absolutely sure that the purchase would be acceptable, and assured Prysunka that if there was a problem they would come back to the assembly. This item was also unanimously approved.
During the meeting, the assembly also considered some proposed restructuring within the city's finance department. There were three jobs in which city administration was wanting to alter the titles, job descriptions, and wage grades. The first was the accounting generalist position, which would be changed to "Accounting Clerk II." The Accounting Clerk would be changed to "Accounting Clerk I", and the Utility Accounts Clerk would change to "Accounting Clerk I - Utilities." The Accounting Clerk II position currently empty, though Von Bargen said they had several applicants, would be lowered a pay grade. The other two positions, which are currently filled, would be raised three pay grades.
The discussion on this item went on for some time. Both Prysunka and Assembly Member David Powell voiced concerns to these changes and why they were being brought up now. The city is in the middle of union negotiations, they said, as well as a wage study. Other assembly members shared concerns, or asked if there was a way to amend the motion to only change the unfilled job. Eventually, the assembly rejected this proposal unanimously.
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